- The eM-Rhône project aims to produce 1,500,000 tonnes of e-methanol annually.
- The project will be located on the Roches-Roussillon chemical platform.
- A public restitution meeting is scheduled for October 2024.
- A public meeting prior to the inquiry is planned for spring 2025.
Project Overview
The eM-Rhône project aims to produce 1,500,000 tonnes of e-methanol annually in the Rhône Valley on the Roches-Roussillon chemical platform. This initiative seeks to provide chemical manufacturers and maritime operators with a decarbonization solution using sustainable hydrogen and recycled carbon.
Consultation and Feedback
The preliminary consultation for the eM-Rhône project concluded on February 25, 2024. Elyse Energy and RTE published their response to the guarantors' report on May 24, addressing questions and clarifying the ongoing consultation mechanism. The consultation received favorable feedback from the general public, professional ecosystem, and local decision-makers, highlighting the project's potential to enhance territorial dynamism and industrial revitalization.
Key Concerns
One significant concern raised during the consultation was water withdrawals and consumption. Elyse Energy plans to prioritize the reuse of water discharged by the platform's industrialists and explore recycling water from its own processes to address this issue.
Future Steps
The project owner's response outlines several commitments and future steps, including organizing a public restitution meeting in October 2024 to share responses to key points from the guarantors' report. Additionally, a public meeting is planned for spring 2025, prior to the public inquiry, to discuss the next steps and provide more information on the project.
Ongoing Engagement
Elyse Energy will maintain and update the project website and produce a newsletter to keep stakeholders informed. A Monitoring Committee will be established with local ecosystem partners to support project development, involving stakeholders and experts as needed. The final continuous consultation mechanism will be reviewed by the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) in the coming weeks.
